Utah Scouting Report

As the game closes in, I have been thinking a lot about how BYU needs to play in order to come out of Rice Eccles with a win.  After watching film I am sure a win is possible as long as a few aspects of the game swing in our favor.

As far as goals are concerned this week isn’t different from past weeks.  We need to start fast on offense and stop the run on defense.  The Cougs offensive success depends on the offensive line’s ability to protect Max Hall from the Utah blitz, while Collie and Co. work their routes against Utah’s secondary.  Harvey and Fui need to get as close to 100 yards as possible.  I don’t know how many carries they’ll get, but one of Utah’s weaknesses is an offense that can line up in power formations and pound straight into the teeth of that red/black Ute defense.

The Utes are a solid football team and they present a number of tough match ups on both sides of the ball. After watching thier games I am left asking myself, does BYU have enough magic left to finish out one of the best seasons ever?

I don’t know.  But I am sure that the character, determination, and will of BYU’s team has been molded over the past four years in a manner that prepares perfectly for Saturday’s test in Rice Eccles Stadium.  One thing that is different about this season’s game - BYU has nothing to lose.

The Utes come into this game with all the momentum in the world.  They feel like the past two years have left them hungry and motivated to destroy the Cougar’s hopes of winning.  They are riding the wave of an undefeated season, a second BCS berth, an undefeated MWC Championship, and a monster chip on their shoulder. I  am anxious to see how the Utes handle being the team with everything to lose.

Lets take a quick look at the offense and defense.

Offense

Quarterback

The Utes are lead by Brian Johnson.  He has been inconsistant during the first three quaters of most games but has pulled it together when it counted.  He isn’t a true pocket passer and his versatility has decreased significantly since his last injury.  He’ll make some mistakes during the game.   It is crucial that our defense maximizes those errors and that our offense then capitalizes on them.

Running Backs

Asiata is a beast.  The similarities between Harvey and him are astounding. I would expect Ludwig and his staff to rely heavily on Asiata in order to relieve some of the early pressure that Johnson should  be feeling. Like all big powerful backs he’s great when he’s going downhill, but struggles when he is forced horizontal and can’t find a hole right away.

Mack hasn’t gotten his touch this year due to Asiatas return from injury, but he is still a talented running back with dangerous capabilities.

The combination poses a serious threat.  Jan, Brett, Russ, and Ian must play physical enough to plug gaps and make it easier for our DB’s to come up and tackle.

Offensive Line

This is where we can win.  Utah offensive line really isn’t  great. They lack power, pass protection skills, and the ability to not make mistakes.

Some things to watch for will be if Matt Bauman, Matt Ahyou, Shawn Doman, Terrance Hooks and Colbey Clawson can find gaps in passing situations to disrupt BJ’s timing and force him to throw early. This is the one game where we need our linebackers to blitz like freaking animals.  They need to refuse to be blocked. This match up is something everyone needs to be watching - our blitzes against their blocking schemes.  I honestly think we can win, but it is going to take a great day from our LB’s.

Wide Receivers

Utah advantage lies in their ability to run four and five wide sets, with the occasional wild-cat formation. Casteel, Wilson, Wesson, Godfrey, and Brown are all quality WR’s when they get the ball in their hands. Ludwig hasn’t always been the best as using all his weapons and if he calls the game with “not losing” in mind, he’ll lose his job.

Utah has the advantage with their skill players. BYU has to control the explosive plays and make BJ be perfect when throwing the ball.  BYU’s secondary needs help from the DL and LB’s to insure that BJ gets rid of the ball quick and under pressure.  Our DB’s will hold up, but if the coverage is forced to hold on for longer than 3 seconds, WR’s will be running free and the risk of a big plays increases.

Defense

Defense has been Utah’s calling card all year.  They rely on their defense’s ability to create turnovers and big plays.  The Ute defense thrives against teams that think they have the ability to beat them sideline to sideline.  After TCU, Utah’s defense is the second fastest in the league. We won’t beat them by running sweeps and reverses.  We can win with power running and sound protection.

Defensive Line

Kruger and Misi are a great defensive tandem and if we can’t control them off the edge we could have trouble all day. Kruger has a great motor and great closing speed when he turns the corner towards the quarterback.  Misi is powerful and if Kruger is struggling, Misi is thriving.

Between the guards I think we are solid.  Matt is young and will most likely be one on one with Kruger most of the game.  Oswald has been playing better, but still has a tendency to stumble when facing a defender with good speed.  Honestly, these two have the greatest challenge and what a better stage to show how far you’ve come. With some strategic help from the running backs and with Max getting the ball off on time, BYU’s line will hold up and the offense will be business as usual.

Linebackers

The Ute defense has a great front, capable secondary, and a soft middle. The linebacking core is Utah’s weakest link.  They aren’t particularly big or fast and they aren’t physical like in years past.  They just do a good job of being where the defensive line isn’t.

The reason Utah struggles against power offenses is because this group can’t beat a block and make a tackle. Instead they will sidestep a block and grab at the running bakc’s leg.  Sometimes it works and sometimes they give up big plays.

This group has also been susceptible to underneath crossing routes, tight end match ups and option routes. This happens to be about 70% of BYU’s offense, with the other 30% being Austin Collie.  If our second and third receivers can win on the outside and pull coverage away from Austin our offense has a great chance of pulling out to an early lead.  Trust me, we need a lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Secondary

Collectively they are a good unit.  I like their size and speed and the way they play the game.  I hate how many chances they take and how many big plays they give up to mediocre players.  But as Utes, you cannot expect them to be very smart.

Utah is going to start out in man  coverage and hopefully we are running our pick plays to free up guys running across the middle.  If Utah can’t control Austin, Pita, and George in man coverage, they’ll have to play zone.  If the Cougars can force Utah into zone situations I think our offense will open up and Max will be able to use multiple weapons without working Austin and Pita and George to death.

One thing our wide outs need to do is BE PHYSICAL.  Austin and Co. can’t let the Ute defenders get in anyone’s face without retaliation. Last year Mike found Tate early in the game.  This year we need something similar.  I don’t know who it’s going to be, but it better happen early and often if we want to establish our presence in Rice Eccles stadium.

Special Teams

You have to give this one to the Utes.  Sakoda has been clutch for them all season and BYU can’t count on misses or screw-ups.

Our coverage teams will need to be almost perfect. We have to win the field position battle, so…. Santiago, Payne, and Sorenson better strap their soccer shoes on tight and bring some extra leg.

I spoke to John Beck this week and he seems to think that this game will come down to which team can control the momentum in the first and half and adjust in the second half.  Utah always has something a little extra saved up for BYU and this year won’t be an exception.

I think all the emotion and rivalry feelings distract from the fact that Utah has shown weaknesses, but teams just haven’t been able to finish them in the final few minutes.  BYU hasn’t lost a close game in a while either. BYU is playing more consistent on defense and the offense is nearly unstoppable.  BYU does have some question marks coming into the game, but after 12 weeks everyone is banged up and hurting.  BYU has 60 minutes to steal everything and lose very little.  If BYU wins it will probably mean another trip to Las Vegas, if they loose it will probably mean another trip to Las Vegas. All you can do is make it happen.

I like BYU’s chances and I like how our team has developed throughout the year. Yeah we do have some weaknesses and we are susceptible, but every game presents a new challenge and by week 12 teams should have run out of challenges.

It’s time to play.

Cougars 32-28